A number of mutual aid funds have been opened in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities. These funds support food, medicine, housing and shelter needs that are often so hard to come by. We’re excited to highlight two funds facilitated by Maine Initiatives grantees:

Estamos Aqui Fund

Mano en Mano’s Estamos Aquí Fund is a mutual aid fund to support immigrants and farmworkers in Maine with financial challenges associated with COVID-19, especially those who are not eligible for government support right now. Community members can request and receive direct funds for whatever immediate needs they are facing including housing, utilities, food, and more. Awards will be made on a first-come/first-serve basis and they will continue to fundraise until all awards have been fulfilled.

To support the Estamos Aqui Fund visit: https://www.manomaine.org/post/estamosaqui

People’s Emergency Fund

Presente! Maine’s People’s Emergency Fund is designed to raise money for our most vulnerable people and communities. The funds will be used to purchase basic survival goods (food, medicine, sheltering support, etc) and distribute those goods and money during the COVID-19 crisis to people *most* marginalized in this crisis, with the *least* access to other forms of aid.

Only the people can save the people. We were made for this moment. All hands on deck. Love your neighbor as yourself.

To support the People’s Emergency Fund visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/peoplesfund